In Memory of Tom Taber – Director of Creative Services, Tucker Rocky

April 19, 2011

Tom Taber was a man of passion. He could laugh easily or intensely argue his view depending on the subject. If you were his friend, you had a loyal friend for life. It took him time to find a woman who understood his eccentricities and loved him for it (or in spite of it). He finally married at age 48 shocking his family who had all but given up hope on that front.

You always knew where you stood with Tom. His blunt honesty sometimes made others uncomfortable, but was cherished by those who valued him for his friendship or as a trusted co-worker. As Creative Services director at Tucker Rocky Distributing for 18 years, he oversaw the creation of national ad and marketing materials in the powersports industry with a passion to produce only the best and guided his employees to reach their full potential.

We seldom know when the end will come. For Tom, he was blessed and in his own words said, “I am happiest I have ever been in my life.” He told this to his wife, Rebecca, just a couple days before he was to leave the Earth. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon while motorcycle riding in the Texas Hill Country, a favorite past time, with his oldest and dearest friend, he was killed instantly in a head-on collision.

He wasn’t ready to leave. He always said that there was too much left to learn. Too much he still wanted to know, but going out doing something he loved, going out happy…that was exactly what he had hoped for when the time came.

Tom will be desperately missed by his wife, family and friends. 57 years on this planet was far too short.

Tom is survived by his wife Rebecca Zook of Granbury, Texas; brothers Paul Taber of Monticello, Florida and Lewis Taber of Louisville, Kentucky; sisters Christy Anderson of New Albany, Indiana, Bonnie Wallace of Naples, Florida and Ruth Wilder of Borden, Indiana; and David Handmaker of Louisville, Kentucky a brother in kindred spirit and lifelong friend.

Also by his “kids.” The dogs, cats and parrots who shared his life and brought it joy. Many of whom had been abandoned or abused. If you wish to do so, please do not send flowers, but make a donation to your favorite animal charity in his name.